NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — The rush is on for holiday travelers after rain and fog caused delays and cancellations throughout the Northeast.

Most flights were on time Thursday morning at LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and John F. Kennedy airports after low visibility Wednesday and overnight snarled flights and stranded passengers.

“It’s been very easy. The roads were empty,” traveler David Kleinman said. “We were surprised, given all the delays last night and the call for bad weather, so hopefully it will be smooth sailing.”

Airports were packed with last-minute travelers who were concerned about getting home on time, and grateful for comparatively easy travel.

“It just turned out to be really smooth,” said traveler Gregory Musah.

That’s a far cry for how things were Wednesday night, when frustrated travelers had their hopes dashed to due to weather conditions.

Montaque Rios from Philadelphia was supposed to have a very quick stopover at LaGuardia before continuing on to Houston.

“I should’ve stayed home but I thought nah it’s going to be okay,” Rios told CBS2’s Dace Carlin. “I started yesterday evening so I’ve been here all night.”

“I don’t know anything, the website says one thing, somebody came by and said, ‘your flight is canceled’ and then I called and they said it wasn’t canceled, ” one air traveler said.

Some fliers at JFK were hoping to make it to France only to find out that their flight had been canceled three times. An airline employee told them to come back to the airport Thursday, but couldn’t tell them what time they may get a flight out.

At LaGuardia, some people ended up having to stay the night at the airport, their holiday plans dashed.

“We’re going to Jamaica, supposedly,” said traveler Hany Mostafa. “It’s not going to happen.”

“I just want my money back at this point because we paid like $1,500 for a flight to Dayton, Ohio and got rebooked three times,” said traveler Shaye Lefkowitz.

There were about 4,500 delays and 375 cancellations Wednesday evening, according to flight tracking site FlightAware. The majority of flights canceled were smaller regional jets that carry 50 to 76 passengers. More than 28,000 flights were scheduled for Wednesday and a typical day sees about 150 cancelations and 4,000 delays.

The catch: Flights are extremely full over the holiday period, with most travelers unable to make changes in their schedule.

The trade group Airlines for America says more than 38 million passengers are expected to fly over the Christmas through New Year’s period, and travelers can expect flights to be about 90 percent full.

Crowds like that mean that any hiccup in the system — delays at a major airport, a technology glitch — can ripple across the country and leave tens of thousands of passengers standing in airport lines.

Back-to-back storms led to more than 4,300 canceled flights around Christmas 2012. This time the Northeast corridor not only should be free of snow and ice, it should be relatively balmy with temperatures on Christmas Day in the 60s from New York to Boston. But rain and snow are forecast through Thursday in parts of the West, and the South and Ohio Valley could see severe storms before Christmas.

Airlines have been helped recently by the El Niño pattern that has brought above-average temperatures to northern states.

“We saw that through the Thanksgiving holiday season, and we’ve seen that through November and December,” said Steve Hozdulick, Southwest Airlines’ managing director of operational performance.

United posted its lowest flight-cancellation rate ever for a Thanksgiving week, and Southwest had its best on-time performance ever for the day before the holiday, which helps reduce other problems such as lost or delayed bags.

Besides the vagaries of weather, airlines in recent years have done a better job of adjusting schedules for peak holiday periods.

According to Mark Duell of FlightAware, U.S. airlines added up to 700 flights a day on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday, compared with the same days last week. They cut about 4,400 flights on Christmas Eve and 5,700 on Friday, Christmas Day, when fewer people want to travel, he said.

Delta Air Lines and its Delta Connection affiliate scheduled 5,253 flights next Sunday, compared with fewer than 5,000 on a typical winter Sunday. Southwest expected Wednesday to be its busiest day, with more than 3,800 flights.

The peak day was last Friday for American, with 6,900 flights, and United, nearly 5,000, but both will also operate increased flights each of the next two Sundays.

Some of the additional flights are late at night, which gives travelers more options and sometimes a lower fare. American and United successfully used the redeye tactic over Thanksgiving.

American added night flights at Dallas-Fort Worth, Phoenix and Charlotte.

At Delta, some extra flights will connect big cities that get heavy traffic all the time, while others will go to warm-weather destinations, said spokesman Morgan Durrant. Delta will occasionally use bigger planes. Through Jan. 3 there is an Atlanta-Salt Lake City round trip using a 293-seat Airbus A330 instead of smaller planes such as Boeing 737s with just 160 seats.

The airlines say they will have enough employees on hand to handle the extra passengers.

The Transportation Security Administration is also adjusting staffing, said spokesman Mike England. Wait times at security checkpoints have increased this year, and passengers can expect longer delays during the holidays, he said. Holiday travelers slow the process when they overstuff carry-on bags, which makes them harder to screen.

The delays Wednesday came as a record number of travelers were also hitting the roads.

With the average price of gasoline just over two dollars a gallon, more than 91 million travelers will drive.

Jennifer Lipman and her husband made the the seven-hour drive from Massachusetts to Maryland.

“We assumed we were leaving at the worst time and we were prepared for the worst of but so far it’s been great,” Marty Lipman said.

Robert Sinclair Jr., of AAA, said nearly one-third of the U.S. population is expected to travel through Christmas and New Years.

“This is without a doubt a record breaking holiday travel season,” Sinclair said

For the first time, AAA predicts the number of people making a journey of 50 miles or more between Christmas and New Year’s will top 100 million, marking the seventh consecutive year of growth.

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MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) — It’s on track to be the busiest holiday for travel ever, and the American Auto Association (AAA) says you can credit that to falling gas prices.

The national average for a gallon of gas is now under $2 a gallon. That is the lowest prices have been since 2009.

Not only are the gas prices contributing to record travel for the holiday — the AAA says the time from Dec. 24 through Jan. 3 will be the busiest days of travel, ever.

Brad Durfee of Little Falls has been driving to Woodbury each Christmas for the last 30 years.

“Gotta do both sides of the family each holiday, so it puts us on the road,” he said. “I keep joking, ‘When do we get to stay home?!’”

Christmas Eve is notoriously a busy day for travel. The number of people traveling has been going up each holiday season for the last seven years.

Triple A says more than 100 million Americans will be traveling this year — a new record.

“It’s certainly nice to see that gas pump not go up so high, dollar-wise,” Durfee said.

Gas prices have dipped below $2 a gallon on average across the country. Here in Minnesota, the average is sitting at $1.87.

With 90 percent of travlers taking their cars, the savings add up — maybe even to add a few more gifts under the Christmas tree.

“We’ll probably spend a little bit more than normal,” Natalie Wiste of Starbuck said.

AAA predicts gas prices will continue to fall after the New Year. But whether they’re up or down, family traditions never change.

AAA says the cost of crude oil is low right now — hence the falling gas prices. However, it will likely start going up when they switch over to summer grade fuel sometime in late March.

This article was originally written by Kate Raddatz for CBSMinnesota.com.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) — It’s going to be a busy holiday weekend on the nation’s highways.

AAA estimates a record 43 million Americans will be traveling this Independence Day weekend, topping the record first set in 2007 and matched last year. It’s also 5 million more than the Memorial Day weekend in May.

“This is a record indeed,” AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair, Jr. told WCBS 880’s Sean Adams.

An overwhelming majority of those travelers, more than 84 percent, will be driving, putting some 36 million people on the roads.

Gas prices remain relatively low. AAA puts the nationwide average at $2.31 per gallon, some 47 cents less than a year ago. Those lower prices along with strong consumer confidence and a generally healthy U.S. economy have led more families to take trips this summer.

Sinclair believes gas prices will keep trending downward.

“With this whole Brexit phenomenon and the plunge of crude oil as a result, gas prices probably are even going to get better as we go forward,” he said. “They’re still falling at 3 to 4 cents per gallon per week for the national average so it looks like the trend is going to continue.”

The travel group estimates that U.S. drivers have saved $20 billion on gasoline so far this year compared to the same period last year.

More people are also flying and cruise bookings are up 35 percent over last year, Adams reported.

(TM and © Copyright 2016 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2016 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — It isn’t even Halloween yet, but it might be time to start thinking about holiday travel.

Mark Ellwood, contributing editor for Conde Nast Travel, told CBS2’s Alice Gainer that planning ahead will always lead to a better deal.

Despite what some may say, Ellwood said there are no specific magic booking days.

“Anyone who tells you, ‘Oh 3 p.m. on Tuesday or Saturday is the cheapest day to book,’ don’t believe them. You can get a great deal on a flight anytime you look these days,” he said.

And there’s good news for travelers who don’t want to sit at a computer and do all the legwork: there are some sites that will do it for you.

“Airfairwatchdog will send you an email whenever that route goes on sale. You find out the minute it’s cheap,” Ellwood said.

He also recommended Scott’s Cheap Flights.

“Scott sits there checking where the deals are, sends you an email going, ‘I think I found an amazing price.’ And you can book it before the airlines notice,” he said.

Right now, Southwest Airlines is having its semi-annual 72-hour sale. Some round-trip tickets are less than $100, but the holidays are blacked out. Eligible travel periods run November 30 through December 20 and January 4 through February 15.

Regardless of the cost, Ellwood has one final tip. He suggests travelers sign up for TSA PreCheck.

“This means you’ll get through security way faster,” he said.

Ellwood also said it’s very hard to get a deal in the 11th hour, but booking a flight and hotel package together will help you pay less than you would for a last-minute flight.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Brace yourself for holiday headaches if you plan on flying in or out of LaGuardia Airport next week.

The Port Authority, which operates the airport, issued a travel advisory about possible delays due to construction.

As CBS2’s Hazel Sanchez reported, travelers headed in or out of LaGuardia should be prepared for a traffic nightmare.

The multi-billion dollar plan to renovate the traffic hub will cost a lot of time.

Frequent flyer Susan Howe said it’s already taken a toll on her.

“It’s been really tough. It takes a lot longer, and is a lot less fun,” she said.

As construction crews continue to tear down some of the airports old parking garages and lots to make room for a new and improved travel experience, travelers have lost hundreds of convenient long term parking spaces.

Starting with 6,400 spaces before the project began, there will eventually be 7,200 spaces when the project is complete.

In the mean time, Sam Edwards — manager of Buccaneer Diner about a mile away from LaGuardia — said people are now trying to sneak spots in his restaurant parking lot.

“It’s very busy. I can’t afford to lose one spot. We all park outside. We all have cars here. No one allowed to park in the parking lot except the customers,” he said.

Some roadways and ramps leading to LaGuardia’s main terminal have been shut down to accomodate construction.

The backup got so bad in August, that passengers were exiting their cars on the Grand Central and walking their way in.

Port Authority Executive Director Pat Foye said the agency has taken measures to make sure everyone stays safe.

“Added police officers, police more effective than security guards,” Foye said.

Port Authority did open an 1,800 space employee parking lot to the public to accommodate spaces lost during construction.

Many travelers said they’re considering other options to avoid the mess altogether.

“Between here and Newark we don’t have a lot of choices, so I probably look at Newark more often,” one traveler said.

The new 3,000 space garage will be complete in 2018. Travelers said it can’t come soon enough.

If you need to drive and park at the airport, use long term parking lot P-10.

Nearly 350,000 people are expected to use LaGuardia during the Thanksgiving holiday, according to the Port Authority.

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork)– When it comes to Thanksgiving travel plans, some say Friday is the new Wednesday.

As 1010 WINS’ Glenn Schuck reports, a number of area travelers aren’t taking any chances this year. They’re leaving town today, rather than waiting until next Wednesday.

LINK: NY DOT Announces Holiday Gridlock Days

Richard and Laurel Cohen of Stamford, Connecticut are heading to Miami for the holiday. They said they had no problem changing their flight from John F. Kennedy Airport to Newark Airport since normal holiday traffic woes were not a concern.

“No traffic, the Van Wyck doesn’t exist,” Richard joked.

Carol from Teaneck, also hoping to avoid next week’s traffic concerns, was leaving for Wisconsin on Friday.

“I’m not travelling on Thanksgiving weekend anymore” she said. “It can ruin the holiday,” she added.

Whether or not a week with her family will have the same effect, she couldn’t say.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Thanksgiving weekend is known as one of the busiest travel periods of the year.

To counter this year’s rush, local transit agencies have announced additional services to get riders where they need to go.

The Long Island Railroad starts rolling extra trains out on Thanksgiving Eve and continue through Thursday to accommodate riders heading into the city for the Macy’s Parade.

The LIRR will run a normal weekday schedule on Black Friday before adding extra trains on both Saturday and Sunday.

Off-peak rates are in effect Thursday through Sunday, and the Saturday and Sunday adjusted service will continue through the holiday season.

Metro-North will start running extra trains at 1 p.m. Wednesday. On Thanksgiving, they will operate a modified weekend schedule with extra inbound trains to accommodate riders heading in to the Macy’s Parade.

Black Friday will see a modified Saturday schedule with additional inbound trains in the morning and outbound trains in the morning to accommodate bargain hunters.

Saturday and Sunday will return to normal weekend schedules with additional Shoppers’ Specials trains.

New Jersey Transit is offering “early getaway” bus and rail service Wednesday for commuters leaving work early. Additional services will also be provided to customers heading to Newark Liberty International Airport.

Similar to the LIRR and Metro-North, NJ Transit will be offering extra trains and buses to their Thursday morning and midday schedule to accommodate people traveling into the city for the Macy’s Parade.

On Black Friday, enhanced bus service will be offered to shopping centers throughout New Jersey.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey announced Tuesday that service from Journal Square to 33rd Street, closed on weekends since August, will be open and operating throughout the Thanksgiving weekend.

Commuter advocate Jim Cameron tells WCBS 880’s Fran Schneidau that buying your tickets ahead of time may be your best bet, as there’s likely to be a long line of people at the ticket machines.

“Get in, get a seat, get comfy, and left everybody else be the standees,” Cameron says.

Cameron adds that passengers can normally board outgoing trains 15 to 20 minutes prior to departure, so it’s best to get aboard as early as possible.

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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Millions of people were making their way back home Sunday evening as the Thanksgiving weekend wound down.

The Federal Aviation Administration reported delays of about 15 minutes for most area airports, but Tri-State Area airports saw more severe delays on Sunday evening.

CHECK: Local Traffic | Airport Delays

Delays earlier Sunday evening amounted to 45 minutes for arriving flights at Newark Liberty International Airport due to strong winds. Flight times later returned to normal.

Delays at LaGuardia Airport averaged 35 minutes, and at John F. Kennedy International Airport 15 minutes.

There were also several reports of traffic delays on area roadways, but no serious problems were reported.

AAA estimated nearly 49 million Americans would be traveling this weekend.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — As holiday travelers clogged the roads Thursday night, others were hoping to avoid delays at area airports.

CBS2’s Alice Gainer was at LaGuardia Airport, where things were relatively calm. It appeared many people may have already left for the holiday weekend.

Gainer talked to travelers who had just touched down in New York, and for the first time ever, heard no complaints.

“Easy, simple,” one said.

“I was coming from Chicago, which doesn’t have a reputation of being an easy place to come from,” another said.

One thing on the back of travelers’ minds was the recent attack at a Christmas market in Berlin, Germany. At LaGuardia, the security measures were obvious.

“There was more security and evidence, but I don’t want to stop my trip and my enjoyment,” said Margaret Smith, of Chicago.

“I think they have enough security everywhere to prevent anything,” another traveler said.

“I know it’s going to be a safe trip,” said Monica Chung, of Minnesota.

As one of the busiest travel times of the year, statistics show there is a chance your holiday trip might include a stop in the emergency room, CBS2’s Dr. Max Gomez reported.

Jazon Ziegler and his family were packing for a trip to see relatives over the holidays. Unlike a recent vacation, this time they hoped to spend a little more time getting some R&R and less time in the ER.

“I tried to play it off, and the next day I just couldn’t do it anymore and had to go to the emergency room and see what’s going on. I ended up rupturing my eardrum and just had a horrible time the rest of the week,” he said.

A new national survey by Orlando Health shows one out of four Americans had their vacations interrupted by a trip to the ER. Experts there should know, Orlando is not only one of the busiest travel destinations in the country, it’s also home to one of the busiest ERs.

“We really see the gamut. I mean, if you think it you can imagine it, quite honestly, we’ve seen it,” Dr. Steven Corbett said.

Corbett said he treats so many people from so many places, he knows how to say the word “pain” in 17 languages.

He advised people to stay home if they aren’t feeling well to begin with.

“If you’re ill or sick before you leave and you wouldn’t go to work that day, you probably shouldn’t go to your vacation that day as well,” he said.

He said too many people try to push it and end up in the ER, and a surprising number forget to refill their medications before they leave. He suggested using your phone to take photos of prescriptions and uploaded important images or X-rays.

“You’d be surprised by how many people have something brand new or acute, like an operation in their recent past, and have almost no details about who, what or why they had their procedure,” he said.

Always put your medicine in a carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

Lastly, if you’re going out of the country, buy traveler’s insurance. Medicare and some private plans are no good outside of the United States.

Also, pace yourself — drinking too much or eating too many new foods is another way to wind up in the ER. And if you’re heading to a sunny destination, don’t forget to pack sunscreen. It may be winter, but the sun is still strong in Florida and the islands.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Travelers are being urged to pack extra time and patience as millions of Americans rush to be with loved ones this holiday weekend.

AAA presidents 103 million Americans will be traveling between Friday and January 2.

“On average about 25 percent more people will be flying during the Christmas weekend and during the week than any time of the year, I think the only one that’s higher is Thanksgiving,” travel expert Pete Trabucco.

After stormy weather delayed flights on the West Coast earlier this week, passengers nationwide may see some gridlock, CBS2’s Ali Bauman reported.

Check: Traffic | Weather

For those getting a head start on the holiday Thursday night, the departure board at LaGuardia Airport read mostly on time, Bauman reported. The same was true Friday morning.

Travel experts say the busiest time to fly is midday and recommend arriving at least an hour before your flight to leave time for TSA security.

More: Tri-State Guide To Planes, Trains & Automobiles

“You probably want to make sure that you get everybody packed and ready to go, make sure all your liquids are in a bag and that everything is set up, your shoes are off, your belt is off,” Trabucco said.

Holiday traveler Kathy Berger arrived at Newark Liberty Airport about two hours ahead of her scheduled flight to Cincinnati.

“We definitely came early,” she said. “We wanted to make sure we had lots of time. But everything is going really smoothly. So far, so good.”

Aside from lots of people and long lines, there were no major problems at LaGuardia Airport early Friday morning, 1010 WINS’ Carol D’Auria reported.

“The baggage line is slow but it’s normal so far,” said one woman headed to Florida with her 4-year-old daughter.

For a smoother ride, travelers are advised to check the flight status before leaving for the airport, call the airline if you think you’ll miss a connecting flight and be kind to the people behind the counter.

Security is top of mind after the recent attack on the Christmas market in Berlin, but many travelers say protection at area airports is visible.

“I think there is enough security everywhere to prevent anything,” one traveler said.

But the terminals are just the bookends to the holiday trip, staying safe and healthy in between can be challenging as well.

A new national survey by Orlando Health finds 1 out of 4 Americans had their vacation interrupted by an emergency room visit.

“If you’re ill or sick before you leave and you wouldn’t go to work that day, you probably shouldn’t go on your vacation that day as well,” said Dr. Stephen Corbett, a family practice physician.

Experts recommend always putting your medicine in a carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

If you’re going out of the country, buy traveler’s insurance. Medicare and some private plans are no good outside of the United States.

Also, pace yourself — drinking too much or eating too many new foods is another way to wind up in the ER. And if you’re heading to a sunny destination, don’t forget to pack sunscreen. It may be winter, but the sun is still strong in Florida and the islands.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – There’s still no solution for a computer glitch putting Christmas travel plans in jeopardy for American Airlines customers.

Hundreds of flights might not be able to leave the ground, leaving passengers wondering what to do.

As CBS2’s Marc Liverman reported, it might be a little harder to get into the holiday spirit this year for passengers scheduled to fly North America’s largest airline.

“I’m waiting for American to solve it,” one woman said.

MORE FROM CBS NEWS

The Allied Pilots Association estimates 15,000 flights between December 17 and 31 are at risk of being cancelled because they don’t have a full crew.

“I feel very sorry, you know, people work very hard, and I really hope they get onto their flights,” said passenger Boruch Schlander.

“I think it’s terrible and it’s mismanagement,” another woman added.

The pilots union told CBS News a glitch in the computer system American uses for scheduling did not account for the busier holiday travel season – meaning not enough pilots to fly all the planes.

“Obviously, American does not want to be the airline equivalent of Scrooge and cancel a lot of people’s vacations,” said airline analyst Henry Harteveldt.

The airline is planning to use reserve crews and offer to pay up to 150 percent of the hourly rate to pilots who pick up certain open trips. So far, it isn’t offering any passenger refunds.

“I would hope American would be good for it,” one man said.

Whether American pays or not, some passengers say they will eat the cost and book a second flight on a different airline.

“I’d bite the bullet, because I’m not going to wait,” said passenger Annette Nettles. “Christmas is a holiday that every family spends together.”

Even if that means an extra few hundred dollars for a backup ticket.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Holiday travel is typically a major headache and Thursday could end up being the worst travel day of the year across the Tri-State.

A gridlock alert was in force for the city Thursday, meaning officials were asking people to use mass transit in the hopes that it will help clear up congestion on the roads.

AAA expected the city to have the worst congestion in the nation with drivers seeing travel times triple between 3:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. Thursday as evening commuters mixed with holiday traffic.

Chopper 2 was above LaGuardia Airport traffic Thursday afternoon, where more than 20 planes full of passengers were lined up and ready for takeoff, and that’s when things were going well.

“No one ever misses their Christmas flight, so I am worried about getting bumped off,” Meredith Johnston said.

On Wednesday evening, some travelers ditched their vehicles and walked along the shoulder of the Grand Central Parkway with their luggage up to LaGuardia Airport.

“Took us two and a half hours to get here,” traveler Jewel Adams said. “We sat in front of Terminal B for about an hour, so we decided to walk so we won’t miss out flight.”

“We thought the traffic was going to be bad but it was fine,”one traveler told CBS2’s Magdalena Doris on Thursday.

Rapper Jim Jones isn’t immune from having to travel travel through busy LGA or from getting last-minute gifts. He was spotted at the airport and told Doris he hadn’t even gotten a tree yet.

Elsewhere, security has also been tightened at spots around the city. Cars were randomly stopped and searched at the RFK Bridge heading into Manhattan.

Gov. Andrew Cuomo says it’s pro-active response after two terror attacks on the city in the last six weeks.

“I want to make sure that when the public sees this activity, that they’re not alarmed. We don’t have any information that has caused us to increase security. This is just out of an abundance of caution,” Cuomo said Tuesday.

AAA says 107.3 million Americans will travel between Saturday and New Year’s Day, the highest on record and a 3.1 percent increase from last year.

Of those travelers, AAA predicts 94 million people will hit the roads and 6 million will take to the skies.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Wind and wintry weather caused delays at airports across the country Saturday, as millions of Americans traveled to their holiday destinations.

AAA estimates a record 107 million Americans will celebrate the holidays away from home this year, with 6.5 million taking to the skies.

More: Latest Forecast | Traffic 

At John F. Kennedy International Airport, CBS2’s Jessica Borg found travelers hovering around the arrivals board for information that could change from hour to hour.

“Been here a while, not super fun,” said Brooklyn resident Sean Martin, whose friend’s flight from Rochester had several delays. “I knew it was going to be one hour, then I was here, then it was another hour, and then I’m here — it’s just been dragging on forever.”

“She’s finally here,” he added.

Alfred Arian’s brother-in-law’s flight from Egypt was also delayed, but he considered himself lucky.

“I was really expecting that there’s going to be a delay. I think the airplane was up there for like half an hour until they give the OK to land, that’s why,” he said. “I’m assuming there are a lot of delays here. It’s a holiday — Christmas.”

For some, the reunions were worth the wait. James Shield, of Astoria, Queens, was delighted to see his son come in from Holland.

“I’m happy to have this guy here for Christmas,” he said. “Wish everybody at home a Merry Christmas!” 

Ben told 1010 WINS’ Carol D’Auria he drove from Philadelphia to JFK pick up his son, Alex, who just finished studying in Brussels. He said he will never make the holiday trip again.

“Once you get across the Verrazano Bridge, it’s nasty,” he said. “Maybe at 3 a.m. it’s OK, but any other time it’s not fun.”

Alex, however, said getting through the airport was actually a breeze.

“I got through baggage, and security and everything — customs — in five minutes,” he said.

The father and son then hit the road to head back to Philly, joining the more than 9.7 million people traveling by car between December 12 and January 1. 

Over the past 20 years, Lily says she’s spent the holidays in South Carolina. As a result, she’s become accustomed to the drive.

“Just taking it easy,” she told WCSB 880’s Kelly Waldron at a rest area along the New Jersey Turnpike. “Whenever I get there, I’ll get there.”

An already-exacerbated Ray was on his way to Atlanta from the Big Apple.

“Our plan was actually to leave a little earlier but we have a baby, a pregnant woman, and an old lady in the back so things don’t normally go as planned,” he said.

Ray said his goal was to beat the traffic in Virginia but unfortunately, he said, he’ll likely drive right into it.

The inclement weather could also mean problems for people expecting last-minute deliveries from FedEx. The company says wind created delays at its Memphis hub overnight.

If you’re expecting a package delivery, check the FedEx website or app for updates.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – It’s only September, but experts say you should book your holiday travel sooner than later.

New data shows now might be the best time for cheap flights.

Should you buy now to avoid the price surge, or wait and hope they will drop? According to new data trends from Google’s travel team, if you want to save, don’t wait.

Regardless of the destination, Google says airfares will likely go up 75 days before departure, then again 35 days before.

In fact, the company says if you wait to book your trip until October, you will likely see a 95 percent increase. If you procrastinate until November, there will likely be another 30 percent hike.

Not all experts agree, though.

Travel website Hipmunk says it’s not too late to book next month. It says the first week in October is the optimal time for Thanksgiving flights.

Whichever you choose, experts recommend flying on Thanksgiving Day for the cheapest flights and smallest crowds. Instead of flying back the day after Thanksgiving, extend your trip and return midweek if possible.

You might also want to think twice about traveling with holiday gifts. Avoid paying extra baggage fees by shipping presents in advance or shopping online and having them delivered to your destination.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Travel experts are already predicting the busiest Thanksgiving season at the airport on record.

This year’s holiday is also expected to last longer than normal, CBS2’s Natalie Duddridge reported Tuesday.

The lineups at LaGuardia Airport are still calm, but in just over a week it will be mobbed.

MORE: Experts Say Now Is The Time To Book Your Holiday Travel

The Transportation Security Administration is projecting this Thanksgiving will see 25 million travelers, 7 percent more people flying than last year.

“I try to get out before the rush. Saturday to Saturday so the Saturday before Thanksgiving,” traveler Barbara O’Hare said.

O’Hare is one of thousands who plan to start their holidays even sooner than usual, as early as Nov. 16, making the Thanksgiving rush last a full 10 days until Nov. 26.

“People are trying to get a jump-start, head start on the crowds, but actually it’s just as busy the Friday before Thanksgiving and the Monday before Thanksgiving,” TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said. “It starts to ramp up on Tuesday. Wednesday is huge, of course, the day before Thanksgiving. And Sunday, right after Thanksgiving, is probably one of the busiest days.

“More people, indeed, are traveling, so here at LaGuardia Airport we are going to see just tens of thousands more passengers coming through the checkpoint,” Farbstein added.

(Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

But even though travelers are staggering their travel start dates, the TSA says each individual day at the airport is not going to be any less crazy.

As many as 50,000 people are expected to pass through LaGuardia daily. At John F. Kennedy Airport, that number doubles to 100,000 each day. And around 70,000 are predicted at Newark Liberty Airport’s security checkpoints.

“I tried traveling last year on the day and it was just packed and I thought traveling on the day would be easier. It was almost worse,” traveler Jo Holcomb said.

So to make the mayhem flow a little easier, the TSA’s advice is arrive early and be prepared.

And that means knowing what to pack.

Turkey and stuffing are allowed in carry-on bags. So are pies and cakes, because they’re considered solids.

But no gravy or mashed potatoes because they’re considered a liquid.

“So a popular Thanksgiving dish is yams. If it’s wet and already made liquid it has to go in checked baggage. If it’s not made yet, dry yams that can go in carry-on baggage,” said the TSA’s Shatimah Brathwaite.

MORE: New 3-D Scanners Spot Explosives Older Machines Could Miss, TSA Says

If you’re still not sure what you can or can’t bring on board, there’s an app for that. All you need to do is download My TSA, type in your question and you’ll get an answer.

For example, travelers cannot bring sparklers on board, but can bring knitting needles.

All of those travelers will stagger en route to their destination, but the madness happens when they all come back on the same two days, Sunday and Monday.

The TSA says you can bring wrapped gifts on board, but it’s not recommended. Why not? Because if it sets off an x-ray machine officials will have to unwrap it to find out what’s inside.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — It’s hard to believe, but Thanksgiving is only a week from Thursday.

This holiday travel season is expected to be the busiest since 2005. The Transportation Security Administration is assuring the public that it is ready, CBS2’s Hilary Lane reported Tuesday.

Diego Palacios and his family are among millions of Americans planning to fly for the Thanksgiving holiday.

“I think it’s an exciting time to disconnect and have fun with the family,” he said of his planned trip to Mexico.

AAA projects more than 54 million Americans will travel 50 miles or more this year. The TSA expects a record number of airline passengers.

“U.S. airlines are planning for 30.6 million people to travel,” said Sharon Pinkerton, the senior VP of Airlines for America.

MORE: TSA Warns: 2018 Thanksgiving Travel Will Be Unprecedented

TSA officials anticipate the Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the Sunday after the holiday will be the busiest, but said they’re ready to meet the demand.

“We have additional staff at all our checkpoints and throughout our airports. We have additional canine team. We have new X-ray technology, new credential authentication technology,” TSA administrator David Pekoske said.

The TSA is urging everyone to pack smart and enroll in trusted traveler programs. At New York’s LaGuardia Airport, some fliers said it’s a time saver.

“Every time I travel it makes it so much faster for me,” Cindy Segovia told CBS2’s Lane.

For those planning to hit the road, travel times in the most congested cities could be as much as four times longer than normal, with drivers in San Francisco, New York City and Boston expected to see the longest delays.

It will also take more time to get to the airport.

“Pack a little extra patience and serenity,” said Todd Hopley of the American Association of Airport Executives.

TSA officials said they continue to deal with persistent security threats. They’re asking travelers to report suspicious activities and Congress for more money to help keep passengers safe.

SECAUCUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) – The American Automobile Association (AAA) predicts more people traveling this Thanksgiving than in the last 13 years.

So how can you avoid traffic and how should you prepare in case you do get caught in it?

If brake lights bring you flashbacks of last week’s traffic during the snowstorm – when Manhattan froze in gridlock and drivers were stuck on highways up to ten hours – then you’re probably not looking forward to Thanksgiving travel.

MORE: New Yorkers Left Stranded After Snowstorm Causes Widespread Issues With MTA Buses

“I thought I’d try a day earlier to beat the traffic but I still hit it,” Chris Minidas of Boston told CBS2’s Ali Bauman.

“If you leave any time in the evening over the next few days you’re gonna hit traffic, it’s unavoidable,” Robert Sinclair of AAA warns.

Sinclair said Tuesday between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m. is likely the worst time to hit the road.

Last Thursday really, really sticks in people’s minds as far as how bad traffic can be so they really want to get out ahead of time, but just shifting the rush from one day to another,” Sinclair explained.

AAA predicts the heaviest traffic in our area will be at:

• The 495 Viaduct from the Lincoln Tunnel to the New Jersey Turnpike
• The Hutchinson River Parkway
• The Belt Parkway

“We’re anticipating 300,000 breakdowns just our members over the holiday travel period,” Sinclair added.

Police advise drivers to check tires, fill up tanks, and charge phones before leaving.

Even a plane ticket doesn’t get you off the hook. AAA says flights are up compared to this week last year.

Friday, traffic was so bad outside LaGuardia Airport people had to run past the gridlock to make their flights.

The Port Authority says it’s putting extra traffic agents at the terminals and positioning tow trucks for quick response.

AAA also warns to be weary of traffic-tracking GPS. They’re usually best for short distances, but if you blindly follow navigation for too long, Sinclair said it can take you down convoluted routes that don’t save much time.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – It’s the official start of the holiday travel season. Experts say more than 107 million Americans will plan a winter getaway and if you’re one of them – you’d better start booking now.

From sun soaked beaches to adventure filled getaways, there’s something for everyone, and at some tempting prices.

“It’s a buyer’s market for the first time in years. Domestic airfares on average are down 24 percent over last year at the same time,” CBS News travel editor Peter Greenberg said.

Greenberg says to target destinations like Toronto, Boston, and Orlando for the best savings.

“The normal window for getting good deals is 25 to 54 days out. So you’re just about at the 25-day mark right now, better do it within the next week.”

Greenberg also says add some warm weather destinations to your wish list too.

“A number of Caribbean islands that were hurt last year are starting to come back which means they need us.”

He adds there should be room on planes and in hotels at “welcome back” prices. For travelers looking to score a bargain, there are Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals too.

Margaritaville resort in Grand Cayman is offering 50 percent off. Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic has 35 to 50 percent off accommodations.

Mehak Hassan of Liberty Travel says agents there don’t charge for their services and they have lots of good deal destinations available.

“With some partners, 30 percent off, with others 55 percent off,” Hassan told CBS2’s Jessica Layton.

Hassan also suggests to check out the west coast of Mexico, but she says this still can be a stressful time to travel and offers one piece of advice.

“Give yourself some time, make use of the deals that are in place be flexible.”

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Make sure to give yourself plenty of time if you’re hitting the road, flying or taking the train today.

Sunday is one of the busiest travel days of the year. It’s when most people head home after Thanksgiving.

Some passengers on an Amtrak Acela train bound for Boston were stuck for at least six hours outside of Penn Station, apparently due to a power problem.

“We left at 9:40 on time. We pulled out of the tunnel. About five minutes out of the tunnel, we stopped,” passenger Nicholas Yeh told CBS2’s Marc Liverman. “They didn’t tell us much until they started to tell us… the connections to the wires were broken. It was maybe an hour, an hour and a half when they finally started opening the doors to the cabins so that we could start getting more fresh air. One of the bad things though is that without power, none of the bathrooms flush.”

Yeh praised the conductors, saying they have been communicative with the passengers. They told passengers that due to where the train had become stuck it wouldn’t be safe for them to get off.

“The power went off very early and we didn’t really know what was happening when it just stopped. After about 30 minutes they made an announcement, saying there was trouble,” said passenger Sabrina Fleischman. “Because the toilets are powered by the power, we had no power, so they couldn’t flush. So they were all backed up, and they ended up closing all the bathrooms, because it was unsanitary for people to actually go in there.”

Amtrak connected a diesel engine to help move the train, Yeh said.

The long delay on the train rattled passengers.

“Nearing four hours, people started to get a little bit unsettled,” said Fleischman. “They were complaining to, I believe it was the conductor and the people working, telling them there was an odor coming out of the bathroom.”

At one point, one passenger wound up calling the police because Amtrak wouldn’t let the passengers leave, Fleischman said.

Experts believe the number of people flying could set a record, with the TSA potentially screening more than three million travelers.

“Normally for us we’re in the low two millions. So to get up to three million, that’s a significant surge,” said TSA Administrator David Pekoske.

If you’re driving and hoping to avoid post-Thanksgiving traffic, experts say you should have left Saturday.

They urged drivers traveling Sunday to leave before 3 p.m., after which traffic is expected to be the worst in New York City.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – AAA is predicting that this holiday season will be a record-breaking year.

WEB EXTRA: Read AAA’s complete travel forecast (.pdf)

Numbers released Thursday morning show that 112.5 million people are expected to be traveling in the air and on the roads. That’s a 4.4 percent increase over last year’s number. It’s also the highest number of travelers since AAA started tracking holiday travel in 2001. It breaks down like this:

• 102.1 million people are expected to travel by car
• 6.7 million people will travel by air
• 3.7 million will travel by trains, buses and cruise ships

Watch: AAA’s Robert Sinclair On Holiday Travel

Robert Sinclair of AAA stopped by CBSN New York’s studios to talk with Alex Denis about the forecast.

“We’re anticipating in some cities as much as a quadrupling of travel time. Atlanta’s the worst, and New York’s right behind. So if a normal trip takes one hour, it’s going to take four hours,” Sinclair said.

Data released by AAA shows that Thursday, Dec. 20 from 9:30 – 10:30 p.m. will be the worst time for travel in New York City.

Sinclair told Denis that there are more cars on the road. Just in New York City alone, between 2012 and 2017 the number of registrations for passenger vehicles has gone from 1,776,536 to 1,925,041, an 8.2 percent increase.

“We’ve seen and additional 146,000 vehicles registered in the City of New York over the past five years. An additional 52,000 for-hire vehicles, the Ubers and Lyfts of the world, in a place where it’s so difficult to be a vehicle owner,” Sinclair said.

Sinclair’s advice for travelers?

• Timing is everything. Leave early if you can.
• Drive with the aid of an app that uses real time traffic data
• Consider alternate routes
• Travel on the holiday itself. Most people leave before the holiday, and that’s when you’ll hit the most traffic.

In addition to the holiday travel hangups, you should also be aware of Gridlock Alert days. Both today and Friday – as well as next Thursday and Friday – are Gridlock Alert days in New York City.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Today is the worst travel day of the holiday season, according to AAA.

AAA predicts this holiday season will break records, with 112.5 million Americans expected to hit the roads, rails and skies – a 4.4 percent jump from last year.

“We’re anticipating, in some cities, as much as a quadrupling of travel times,” AAA’s Robert Sinclair told CBSN New York. “Atlanta is the worst, and New York is right behind.”

Watch: AAA’s Robert Sinclair On Holiday Travel 

Thursday is the worst time to travel in New York, specifically between 9:30 and 10:30 p.m., since many plan to head out after work.

“On a daily basis, we’re seeing a lot of extra traffic. So when you throw in the holiday, it makes for an even worse commute,” Sinclair said.

The growing number of registered cars on the roads makes things even worse. In the five boroughs alone, between 2012 and 2017, there was an 8.2 percent increase from 1,776,536 to 1,925,041 registered vehicles.

Web Extra: Read AAA’s complete travel forecast (.pdf)

If you can wait, consider driving on the actual holiday. But if you need to leave beforehand, Sinclair says you should “get a good, early start.”

“That makes a big difference,” he said. “If you have some sort of real-time based traffic app, you should use that.”

The good news for drivers? AAA predicts the cheapest December national gas price average in two years.

For those who plan to fly, pack your patience. Air travel is expected to reach the highest level in 15 years.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – The weather is already throwing a wrench into people’s holiday travel plans.

By Friday morning, delays at LaGuardia Airport were already nearing two hours.

According to AAA, a record breaking one-in-three Americans is expected to travel this holiday season. For some it’s already more difficult than expected.

WEB EXTRA: Read AAA’s complete travel forecast (.pdf)

AAA says Friday is one of the busiest travel days of the year and that’s leaving some airline passengers seeing red.

It breaks down like this:

• 102.1 million people are expected to travel by car
• 6.7 million people will travel by air
• 3.7 million will travel by trains, buses and cruise ships

“My flight has been cancelled. So I have to try to figure out another way home,” North Carolina-bound flyer Kaitlyn Snyder said.

The rain and strong winds are causing widespread delays and cancellations. Outbound flights were delayed an average of nearly 45 minutes on Friday.

Inbound flights have been held up more than twice that long according to tracking website Flight Aware.

“The delay is an hour and a half right now. It’s an American Airline tiny plane. I travel, I know how this works. The small planes usually get cancelled. Knock on wood hopefully that doesn’t happen,” holiday flyer Peter Colin added.

The weather is also making it more difficult just to get to the airport.

Construction on the Garden State Parkway is causing backups that added time to the commute.

Watch: AAA’s Robert Sinclair On Holiday Travel

“You know how it is in New York. When it rains you better plan in an extra hour,” commuter Tim Ward told CBS2’s Aundrea Cline-Thomas.

Once frustrated passengers actually make it to the airport, many are left just sitting, waiting, and hoping their patience will pay off.

Travel experts are urging everyone to check their flight status before coming to the airport and allow plenty of extra time to get here.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Service got back to normal on Metro North and the Long Island Railroad Friday night, after a series of separate disruptions earlier in the evening brought the holiday travel rush to a halt.

It was a rough start to the Memorial Day weekend at Grand Central Station.

Delays of nearly an hour and a half on the Harlem and New Haven lines plagued the evening rush.

The MTA said a brush fire near the tracks in Wakefield caused a temporary service suspension and long delays for passengers.

“We left for the city at 4 a.m. Friday morning, so we’re ready to get back to Connecticut,” one tired commuter said.

At Penn Station, there was even more train trouble, after a LIRR train stalled in the East River Tunnel.

Both agencies later reported that service was running at or close to on time.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – If you’re planning to travel this Fourth of July, you are not alone.

AAA predicts 49 million people are planning an Independence Day getaway.

Web Extra: AAA’s Robert Sinclair Talks 4th Of July Travel 

A record 41.4 million people will travel by car, nearly four million people will take to the skies, and an additional 3.5 million will travel by train, bus or cruise ship.

This afternoon from 1:45 to 3:45 p.m. will be the worst time to travel in our area. Traffic is expected to be 3.8 times heavier than usual.

Helpful Travel Links:

TRAFFIC:

– Connecticut DOT
– New York City DOT
– New York State DOT
– New Jersey DOT
– Port Authority Bridges & Tunnels
– MTA Bridges & Tunnels

TRAINS:

– Amtrak
– Long Island Rail Road
– Metro-North Rail Road
– MTA Subways | Subway Service Advisories
– PATH
– NJ TRANSIT

BUSES:

– MTA Buses
– NICE Bus On Long Island
– AAA
– Greyhound
– NJ TRANSIT
– Port Authority Bus Terminals

PLANES:

– FAA Flight Delay Information
– TSA Travel Tips
– CBS News Interactive: U.S. Airport Tracker

LaGuardia Airport (LGA):

– Delays
– Departures 
– Arrivals

John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– JFK AirTrain

Newark Airport (EWR):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– Newark AirTrain

Other Airports:

– MacArthur Airport
– Teterboro Airport
– Westchester County Airport

Top destinations in the Northeast include Maine, New York, Orlando, Cape Cod and Canada.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Today will be one of the two busiest travel days for Labor Day Weekend, according to TripAdvisor.

The holiday is one of the most traveled weekends of the year, with New York City as one of the top destinations.

TripAdvisor says 61% of those traveling will hit the roads, while 27% will fly.

“This year, one third of Americans will be traveling for the last long weekend of summer,” said Elizabeth Monahan. “Try to leave a little bit earlier than you normally would or even later in the day to help avoid some of the busy traffic roads and long lines at the airport.”

The site predicts Tuesday will be the second busiest day, as people head back home.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Fall starts on Monday, and now’s the time to start booking if you plan to fly for the holidays.

CBS2’s Cindy Hsu has some tips to get the best travel deals.

According to AAA, next Wednesday, Sept. 25, is the best time to start booking air travel for the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, reports CBS2’s Cindy Hsu.

Most travelers book their flights between then and Oct. 27.

Travel expert Michaela Guzy says some people get great deals by waiting, but it’s risky.

“There are still last-minute deals to be had seven to 13 days out but you’re running the risk of the flight might not be there,” said Guzy. “If you do get the deal on the flight, is there a hotel for you to stay in?”

Experts say Tuesday and Wednesday are the best days to buy your airline tickets and also the best days to fly. Sundays are the most expensive to fly. If you’re looking for rock bottom prices, travel on the actual holiday.

“I find the best deals are 6 a.m. on Thanksgiving and/or Christmas to fly,” said Guzy. “It’s a good time to fly and honestly the airports are so much less stressful during that time.”

While technology has made booking travel a lot easier, experts say you need to go old school for the best deals.

“Most people watching this interview will make their reservations online, the biggest mistake they can make because what they don’t realize is only 52% of all the available inventory is online,” said CBS New Travel Editor Peter Greenberg. “You need to pick up the phone and talk to a human being. That applies to a hotel and airline, a cruise line, even a rental car company.”

Also sign up for airfare alerts on travel websites and apps. You plug in your location and timing, and they’ll send you alerts when deals pop up.

Another money saver is to look at both round-trip and one-way flights. Sometimes you’ll get a better deal booking two one-way flights versus a round trip.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Believe it or not, it is time to book your holiday travel.

Thanksgiving is eight weeks from today, and Christmas and Chanukah are 11 away.

Hopper’s consumer trends expert Liana Corwin stopped by the CBSN New York studios today and broke down when to buy and fly this holiday season.

Corwin said travelers should book their flights before Halloween for the best deals.

“If you can get all of your plans together by the end of the month, you’re going to save the most money,” she said. “That being said, every single route is going to be different.”

Next month, prices are expected to climb by about $10 a day.

“What we see with Thanksgiving is you can procrastinate a little bit more because, unfortunately, prices just start higher so they stay high up until the holiday,” she added. “Whereas with Christmas, prices start a little bit lower and as you get closer to the holiday they really start to spike.”

Corwin said the best days to leave for both Thanksgiving and Christmas are the Mondays before or the holidays themselves.

Watch the full interview above for more helpful tips.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – This week, a record number of travelers will hit the roads and skies, so it might be tougher than usual to get to your Thanksgiving dinner worry-free.

The Transportation Security Administration is preparing for the busiest travel season they’ve ever seen, which could mean even longer lines at the airport.

“We think we will probably, likely to screen about 27 million passengers nationwide during that period,” said Lisa Farbstein of the TSA.

At Newark Liberty International Airport they expect to screen around 70,000 people a day during the Thanksgiving holiday, about 10,000 more passengers per day than normal.

The TSA says the agency is all hands on deck this week, but they’re asking passengers to plan ahead, get there early, and follow instructions of TSA officers.

Web Extra: TSA Officials Offer Thanksgiving Travel Tips

“The last thing a TSA officer wants to do, I can assure you, is a patdown. So the TSA officers want to make sure you get through the checkpoint smoothly, and efficiently,” Farbstein said. “So what does that mean? Get here early. It’s going to be crowded. The terminal’s going to be congested. It’s going to take longer on the roadways, it’s gonna take longer to park your car, longer to check your bag, longer to get your boarding pass, longer to get your Starbucks. So you can expect the line to be long at the TSA checkpoint as well.”

MORE: Tips To Navigate Construction At LaGuardia Airport

As for what Thanksgiving food you can bring on board a plane: Stuffing, sweet potatoes, marshmallows can all be brought in a carry-on bag, but gravy, cranberry sauce and wine need to go in checked bags.

“Basically the rule of thumb is, if it’s a solid it can go in your carry-on bag,” Farbstein said. “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it or pour it, it should go in your checked bag.”

The TSA recommends getting to the airport two hours early for domestic flights and three hours before an international flight.

#Thanksgiving week, means airports are super busy. It's just one more reason that you should not bring prohibited items to #TSA checkpoints. A guy brought this hunting knife to @EWRairport this morning. C'mon man, you're slowing down the line and ticking off fellow travelers. pic.twitter.com/EErJoYoh3r

— TSAmedia_LisaF (@TSAmedia_LisaF) November 25, 2019

Monday morning, TSA agents at Newark stopped a traveler who tried to bring a hunting knife through a TSA checkpoint.

“C’mon man, you’re slowing down the line and ticking off fellow travelers,” Farbstein wrote on Twitter.

Travelers will contend with more than just crowds this week. Nasty weather in other parts of the country could cause chaos for travelers here.

CBS travel expert Peter Greenberg says don’t wait until the airlines send an alert — it’s better to call them.

“And say, ‘look, I know there’s weather coming in. I know there’s going to be an alert. I don’t want to be 95th person in line to get that alert. Can you please look at your schedule, and rebook me on the following flights?'” Greenberg said.

Our travel expert says the best days to fly this week are Thanksgiving morning and Black Friday, when everybody else is out shopping.

For more Thanksgiving travel tips from the TSA, click here. For more Thanksgiving food questions and answers from the TSA, click here.

FOR THOSE HITTING THE ROAD

AAA predicts 55 million people will travel more than 50 miles for the holiday this week, the second highest volume since 2000.

Robert Sinclair, of AAA Northeast, says 49.3 million people will drive and 4.4 million will fly – both up about 3% over last year.

Web Extra: AAA’s Robert Sinclair on Thanksgiving travel 

“The economy is good, people have disposable income, and generally we have more money in our pockets. We like to celebrate by taking a trip during the Thanksgiving holiday, a built-in day off, and we make the most of it. Americans have the fewest number of vacation days of any workers in the entire industrialized world,” he told CBSN New York.

(Credit: CBSN New York)

Sinclair suggests waking up early on Thanksgiving morning and driving to your destination instead of joining everyone else who is getting off work and hitting the road Wednesday afternoon.

Tuesday or Thursday morning are the best times to travel, but Wednesday afternoon will be the worst.

“Make sure your vehicle is in good shape before you hit the road. We’re anticipating 368,000 break-downs for AAA members from Wednesday until Sunday – flat tires, dead batteries, and lockouts the top items. People have these key fobs and they get locked out of their vehicles,” Sinclair said. “Also, safety is very important. Don’t drink and drive, don’t drug and drive, wear your seatbelt, don’t speed. It’s going to be very busy on the roads, there will be a lot of police out there.”

Sinclair also says gas prices are up about 2 cents per gallon nationwide, compared to last year. In Connecticut, however, prices are down 18 cents.

AIRPORT GUIDES

– FAA Flight Delay Information
– TSA Travel Tips
– CBS News Interactive: U.S. Airport Tracker

LaGuardia Airport (LGA):

– Delays
– Departures 
– Arrivals

John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– JFK AirTrain

Newark Airport (EWR):

– Delays
– Departures
– Arrivals
– Newark AirTrain

Other Airports:

– MacArthur Airport
– Teterboro Airport
– Westchester County Airport

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – There’s a brand new traffic pattern at LaGuardia Airport this morning.

The changes come just in time for one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

Attention Drivers
Effective 5am Sat, Dec 21, exit 6 of the westbound Grand Central Parkway to #LGA will be permanently closed. Westbound exit 7 will serve Terminals B, C & D. Exit 5 will serve Terminal A. Please allow extra time to get to your terminal & follow all signs. pic.twitter.com/Y9kJHC0SAq

— LaGuardia Airport (@LGAairport) December 20, 2019

Starting today, westbound exit 6 of the Grand Central Parkway is permanently closed. Drivers trying to access terminals B, C, D and 94^th Street will have to take exit 7.

Airport officials say the new section will help drivers take a route that involves less merging.

There’s a brand new traffic pattern at LaGuardia Airport this morning. (Credit: LaGuardiaAirport.com)

Drivers heading to terminals C and D will keep right after exiting the parkway, and drivers heading to terminal B and 94^th Street will keep heading straight after exiting.

Airport officials also say there will be updated signage to help direct westbound drivers.

Click here for more information.

Meanwhile, AAA predicts more than 115 million people will travel by road, rail or air between now and New Year’s Day.

Christmas Eve is expected to be the best time to fly, and the day after Christmas will be the most expensive. Dec. 26 is also expected to be the worst time for traffic on the roads.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – A record number of more than 115 million Americans are expected to travel by car, train, or plane over the holidays.

The TSA predicts this will be the busiest holiday travel season in the agency’s history. AAA says more than 115 million people will travel by New Years Day.

For some, it’s off to a rocky start. Fog and icy conditions are being blamed for a 69-car pileup in Virginia. An internet outage delayed flights in Sacramento. Flooding temporarily closed Fort Lauderdale airport.

The good news for most travelers, the weather shouldn’t be a factor as clear conditions are forecast throughout much of the country. There are storms heading towards the West Coast and Southeast.

To keep things moving efficiently, the TSA is urging people to arrive at least 90 minutes early, have boarding passes and IDs ready and don’t forget to keep gifts unwrapped for security reasons.

(CBS Local)- While many have avoided extended family for most of 2020, doctors say the wait could last through the holidays due to COVID-19 case numbers surging across the United States.

Many are left wondering, is it safe to host a Thanksgiving feast with grandma and grandpa at the dinner table?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in-person holiday gatherings pose a varying degree of risk for people. Dr. Mallika Marshall, a practicing physician in Boston and WBZ medical reporter says it isn’t worth the risk.

“You’re in an enclosed space,” said Marshall. “You’re going to have to take your mask off to eat and drink. You’re likely going to be in close proximity to other people.”

Especially for people considered high-risk — which the CDC defines as older adults and people with underlying, chronic medical conditions — Marshall says they should avoid gatherings altogether in 2020.

“We know the virus can linger in the air and it’s spread through the air. It just doesn’t seem like it’s a wise idea,” said Marshall.

A number of factors determine the level of risk for gatherings including community spread of COVID-19 in the city where you plan to meet family, where everyone is traveling from, the duration of the time together, the behavior of people prior to visiting, and how people behave while together.

For example, people living in high case number communities who pay little regard to health and safety guidelines preventing the spread of COVID-19 have a greater risk of exposing others at a holiday gathering.

Meanwhile, gatherings held in outdoor settings where social distancing guidelines are strictly followed and masks are worn pose a lower risk of transmission.

“The best advice I can give is, if you can try to get tested within 72 hours of getting together with other people, that would be ideal,” said Marshall.

People who are considered high-risk or people who live with people considered high-risk should avoid any large gatherings at all. If you or someone you’re in close contact with is experiencing COVID-19 symptoms, the CDC recommends you quarantine for 14 days.

Symptoms of COVID-19 can appear two to 14 days after exposure and include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.

Air Travel During the Holidays

Researches at Harvard University recently released findings with optimistic results for people planning air travel during the pandemic.

According to the study, time spent inside the airplane may be safer than everyday activities like grocery shopping or eating out at a restaurant.

“Air on an airplane starts above your head and comes straight down on you to the floor. Once it hits the floor it gets filters out to the side and goes to HEPA filters. HEPA filters take 99.99% of bacteria and viruses out of the air,” explains Rebecca Spicer, Senior Vice President of Communications at Airlines For America.

Spicer says U.S. carriers are taking extra steps to ensure the safety of customers during the pandemic.

“Right away they started requiring masks,” said Spicer. “They have been vigorously enforcing that.”

According to Spicer, airline companies are utilizing electrostatic sprayers to clean the planes before passengers board. She emphasizes the high-touch areas like seatbelts, tray tables, and overhead vents are sterile.

Doctors are optimistic about recent findings, but warn your time in the tube is only part of the trip.

“We’re just talking about inside the plane, but travel involves getting to and from the airport. Some people take public transportation to get to the airport or stand in possibly long lines at security,” said Marshall.

Most U.S. carriers no longer charge change fees if you need to re-book a fare.

“They want to instill confidence in would-be travelers that when you purchase that ticket you have flexibility to change your plans,” says Spicer.

Even though fewer people are expected to travel this Holiday season, she recommends getting to the airport earlier. Spicer says many airports closed parking lots or garages. You may also have a difficult time finding open vendors once you’re past security.

“Pack a little snack in your bag, take an empty water bottle. You can fill it up on the other side of the TSA Checkpoint,” said Spicer.

Staying Healthy This Winter

The safest option for you and your family is to stay home this winter. Plan virtual gatherings to catch up with relatives.

Right now there is no approved vaccine for COVID-19. However, Dr. Marshall suggests getting your flu vaccination as early as possible.

RELATED: Solano County Sees Its 1st Person with COVID-19, Flu Co-Infection

“We’re entering not only another spike in coronavirus, but we’re entering flu season as well,” said Marshall. 

In the event you get sick, prior healthy choices can help you fight off the illness better. Dr. Marshall recommend eating well, exercising regularly, and getting plenty of sleep this winter. For people with underlying conditions, make sure your symptoms are well-managed.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Despite surging cases and a new COVID strain, millions are traveling for Christmas.

The Transportation Security Administration reports Wednesday was the highest single day total since March.

Here in New York, Mayor Bill de Blasio is stepping up quarantine enforcement on travelers – particularly those coming here from the United Kingdom.

“It was the longest time. I haven’t seen my family,” said traveler Victor Ramirez.

As CBS2’s John Dias reports, it has been more than a year since Ramirez has visited his family, which is why he is traveling from Peru to his brother on Long Island for Christmas.

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He knows quite well there’s a pandemic, and like many travelers Dias spoke with, he’s risking his health to see loved ones.

“We have pandemic everywhere. We have to take care of ourselves and coming for the holidays with family,” said traveler Lourdes Gonzales.

But their welcome committee is something new:

All travelers coming into New York City now get a face-to-face with someone from the city’s Health Department, to get their information.

“It was perfect, the protocols. Everything was professional,” Gonzales said.

“They said we had to fill out a form, basically trying to reach us if someone tested positive on the airline,” one traveler said.

“You never know where they are going, staying, families, friends,” said traveler Lauren Cardoso.

More: Dr. Max Gomez Breaks Down What Is Known About New Coronavirus Strain Spreading Rapidly In The U.K.

For those coming from the U.K., where a new, more infectious variant of the virus was first discovered, enforcement is even more strict.

“We’re going to have a sheriff’s deputy go to the home or the hotel of every single traveler coming from the U.K.,” de Blasio announced Wednesday.

More: Mayor De Blasio Says All Travelers From U.K. Must Quarantine, Or Potentially Face $1,000 Fine

All around at John F. Kennedy International Airport, enhanced cleaning is going on, easing some anxiety. Travelers say some airlines require not just a mask but a face shield.

“It’s a protocol. We have to use it through the whole flight,” one traveler said.

“They’re mopping the walls. I’ve never seen anyone mop a wall,” one traveler said.

While the TSA reports they screened nearly 1.2 million people Wednesday – the highest single day total since March – AAA is predicting at least 34 million fewer travelers compared to last holiday season. As many as 84.5 million may still travel through Jan. 3 – a decline of 29%.

“I was scared, but when I saw only 30 people on the plane, it was a big plane. So it was fine,” one traveler said.

“Very clean. Very nice and neat. A lot of hand sanitizer when you go on the plane,” said Bronx resident Yokaira Rosaroa.

Meanwhile, across the pond, chaos erupted at a blockade in Britain as truckers clashed with cops. France is demanding every driver get tested for COVID before coming into the country. U.K. health officials warn cases of the mutated strain are surging. And now a third strain, similar to the variant in the U.K., has been found and is spreading fast in South Africa, prompting travel bans there as well.

“It is absolutely vital that we act. We simply cannot have the kind of Christmas that we will all yearn for,” said Britain’s Health Minister Matt Hancock.

Experts warn if you’re going to be flying, wear two masks, and you don’t have to wait exactly at your gate if it’s too crowded. You can wait a gate or two away where there may be fewer people.

More From CBS New York:

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NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — With Thanksgiving approaching, airports around the country are gearing up for an influx of travelers.

But concerns have been raised about Transportation Security Administration staffing and the looming federal vaccine mandate, CBS2’s Jenna DeAngelis reported Wednesday.

Traffic at airports like LaGuardia is expected to look a whole lot different come Friday, when holiday travel begins.

By Thanksgiving, airport officials expect to see a notable increase in travelers, and they are making sure everyone is prepared.

“If it’s a solid it can go in your carry-on. If it’s a liquid, a gel, something spreadable, then it should go in your checked bag,” TSA spokesperson Lisa Farbstein said.

Farbstein walked CBS2 through the dos and don’ts of holiday travel, as it’s expected many will be taking to the skies for Thanksgiving celebrations.

“We expect to see substantial increase in passengers volumes, which will be approaching the pre-pandemic 2019 volumes that we saw from two years ago,” said Robert Duffy, LaGuardia’s federal security director.

TSA agent Michael Kelley said the lines have been, “very long in the mornings, around 5-6 o’clock, so you guys got to get here about two hours before your actual flight. Be patient because it’s going to take some time to get through the line.”

While many plan to fly, one couple said they plan to drive, noting many reasons, including recent turbulence with airlines.

“I wouldn’t want to book a flight for December right now based on the situation with Southwest and American, and the vaccine mandates for staff, and all the flights that are already being canceled,” North Carolina traveler Ethan Barbee said.

The federal workforce, including TSA employees, have until Monday to show full vaccination status or request a religious or medical exemption.

The head of security at LaGuardia said the airport has plenty of staffing to get through peak holiday travel.

“We are not concerned. We are still working through the last of the numbers here because we do have some people that are no longer with us. So we have to call out the master records that we have. But we are in good shape here at LaGuardia, so we’re not concerned about that,” Duffy said.

During a House Homeland Security Committee hearing on Tuesday, some lawmakers expressed concerns about travel disruptions. One union leader is trying to get the vaccine deadline pushed for its members.

“Extending the deadline until Jan. 4 will provide consistency and will also provide fairness,” said Dr. Everett Kelly, president of the American Federation of Government Employees.

In mid-October, the TSA announced 60% of its workforce was fully vaccinated. Its administrator, David Pekoske, provided an update Wednesday on CBS Mornings.

“The numbers improved greatly, and I don’t expect the vaccine mandate to have any impact whatsoever on Thanksgiving travel,” Pekoske said.

The TSA says the busiest travel days are typically the Tuesday and Wednesday before Thanksgiving and the following Sunday.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The number of people traveling through U.S. airports this weekend has already reached levels not seen since before the pandemic.

And with a vaccine mandate for federal workers starting Monday, there’s concern the Transportation Security Administration could struggle to stay fully staffed for the holiday travel rush, CBS2’s Lisa Rozner reported.

The TSA said Sunday it does not anticipate the mandate will impact the agency’s operations as it has been preparing for this for months.

“I don’t think they should expect chaos. We work very closely with the airlines, with the airports. We have travel projections for the coming week and we’re very confident this is going to be a very smooth operation over the next several days,” Administrator David Pekoske said.

A spokesperson would not give Rozner a figure and would only say the compliance rate “is very high.”

In October, CBS2 was told that 60% of workers got at least one shot, but now we’re being told it’s higher but just not by how much.

AAA predicts Thanksgiving travel, overall, will rebound to near pre-pandemic levels, with more than 53 million Americans expected to be on the move for the holiday. That’s a 13% increase from last year.

Remember, travel restrictions were also recently lifted for fully vaccinated travelers from more than 30 countries.

Nationwide, new COVID-19 cases are up nearly 54% in the last month. Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin are among the hardest-hit states.

Pekoske was asked about how the agency will deal with employees not vaccinated come Monday.

“We will go through a progressive discipline process with our employees who have not been vaccinated. But we have a lot of employees who have asked for either medical or religious exemptions as well, so we’ll go through the process of looking at each one of those individual and make a determination in the next several weeks. So, yes, there is the potential if you do not have an approved exemption and you are not vaccinated that you will lose your job.”

The TSA said it anticipates the Sunday after Thanksgiving will likely see the highest numbers of air travelers with people returning home.

The agency set a new record for the year on Friday when agents screened more than 2 million passengers, CBS2’s Christina Fan reported Sunday.

Families that missed getting together for the holidays in 2020 are making up for lost time.

“We’re all vaccinated. We have our cards,” one traveler said.

Like millions of other Americans hitting the skies and roads, the Kaplan family is excited to travel again.

CBS2’s Christina Fan contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — There are still a few days to go until Thanksgiving, but holiday travel is already picking up.

The number of people passing through U.S. airports over the weekend reached levels not seen since before the pandemic. But as CBS2’s John Dias reported Monday, the new federal vaccine mandate may slow down some travelers.

With holiday greetings on the way, so is the gridlock. From LaGuardia Airport, where lines to get through TSA checkpoints were longer than usual, to John F. Kennedy International Airport, and Newark Liberty International Airport, local transit hubs were already packed.

“It’s the holidays. It happens,” traveler Jon Case told CBS2.

“I just wanted to get here early. I’m taking an international flight,” traveler Emanuel Hugo said.

AAA predicts Thanksgiving travel overall will rebound to near pre-pandemic levels, with more than 53 million Americans traveling. Experts say the eastbound lanes of the Long Island Expressway will see the most congestion in our area on Thanksgiving eve.

“From 2:30 to 6:30 Wednesday, the day before the holiday, we are anticipating a 480% increase in traffic volumes,” said AAA Senior Manager of Public Affairs Robert Sinclair, Jr.

It comes as a new vaccine mandate for federal workers kicked in Monday, impacting TSA workers.

“If we are, they should be vaccinated,” said traveler Miguel Ortiz.

In October, 60% of TSA workers got at least one shot. However, the agency now says 93% of its employees were in compliance with the deadline.

While the agency says it’s prepared, others worry it will lead to staffing shortages and extended wait times through security.

Brooklyn resident Erica Morris flew into Kennedy Airport from Charlotte, saying flying home was a hassle.

“It was way too long,” she said. “It didn’t look like there were a whole lot of people working. Not enough people at least.”

Suitcases packed and masks secured, the Rosenthal family was excited for their first big trip out of Newark since the pandemic began, CBS2’s Jessica Layton reported.

“We’re both double vaccinated and boosted and she’s had two vaccines and we’re ready to go,” Nicole Rosenthal said.

All this comes as new COVID cases are up nearly 54% in the last month nationwide. Michigan, Minnesota, North Dakota and Wisconsin are among the hardest hit.

“With a daily average of now 92,000 cases, we’ve got to be careful,” Dr. Anthony Fauci said on CBS Mornings. “That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy the holidays. We can be with our families if you’re vaccinated.”

Dr. Fauci said it’s a good idea to get a COVID test before celebrating indoors.

“It isn’t a firm requirement, but I think if you want to go that extra step, particularly when you’re in a region where there’s a lot of infection,” he said.

“I feel like I would feel safer if everybody was vaccinated or at least if everybody was tested,” Rosenthal said.

In a letter signed by several Democrats, lawmakers asked President Joe Biden to require airline passengers to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative test to board a domestic flight, saying, “This is a necessary and long overdue step toward ensuring all Americans feel safe and confident while traveling and reduce the chances of yet another devastating winter surge.”

Proof of vaccination is required for international travel, but Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said Sunday it isn’t necessary for flights within the U.S. because current safety protocols like masking work.

Several passengers Layton spoke with said requiring shots for all flights feels like overreaching.

“I feel like as long as people are taking the proper safety precautions, it’s not necessary. I mean, everyone has the right to choose,” one traveler said.

“It’s up to whoever wants to do it, really,” James Ransom said.

“I feel quite safe. Everyone wears their mask on board and sanitizing stations,” Erin Coombs added.

The TSA anticipates the Sunday after Thanksgiving will likely see the highest numbers of air travelers as people return home.

AAA experts say air travel has almost completely recovered from its dramatic fall during the pandemic. It’s up 80% over last year.

CBS2’s Jessica Layton contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — As millions fly to see loved ones for Thanksgiving, airports will likely be packed at near pre-pandemic levels this entire week – and it has already started.

CBS2’s John Dias took a closer look at what’s in store for some travelers.

Wednesday is expected to be one of the busiest travel days of the year, but by the looks of it, LaGuardia Airport Tuesday was giving the traditional Wednesday getaway day a run for its money.

“I thought it was going to be bad. It’s gnarlier than I expected,” said Gramercy Park resident Sophia Smith.

“Other years it has been long but not this long,” said traveler Ridwana Zaman.

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Lengthy TSA line snaked around the Queens airport for the second day in a row. Harriet Nance of Brooklyn says the best way to describe it is just one word.

“Wow,” Nance said.

A self-proclaimed avid traveler, she said she’d never seen it so crowded before.

“It’s heart stopping. You gotta get ready, make sure you have time,” Nance said.

Some 4.2 million Americans are expected to fly for Thanksgiving – a more than 80% increase from last year – all now passing through vaccinated TSA employees after a new federal mandate went into effect Monday. Ninety-three percent of TSA employees have gotten at least one dose.

“We absolutely celebrate when it’s all over, and we can kind of slow down and breathe a little,” said TSA security training instructor Yanick-Nikita Lunford.

For Delta Air Lines, it’s game time. At any given moment, most large airports have dozens of trucks, plus thousands of staff all coordinating in real time. It’s something passengers don’t see: Thousands of pieces of checked luggage, sorted and loaded on planes.

“It may look like chaos to the average person, but there’s a- there is a ballet that’s taking place here,” said Delta Air Lines Vice President of Operations Matt Sparks.

Watch John Dias’ report — 

The travel uptick comes as several Democrats, including New York Rep. Ritchie Torres, are asking President Joe Biden to require all airline passengers to provide proof of full vaccination or a negative COVID test to board – not just on international flights.

“This is a necessary and long overdue step toward ensuring all Americans feel safe and confident while traveling and reduce the changes of yet another devastating winter surge,” they wrote.

That’s drawing opinions from both sides.

Nationwide, infections are up 54% in the last month.

“It’s the same. We get exposed. Delta has crawled up,” said Katherine Sharburgh of Rye.

“I’m vaccinated, I don’t think it should be forced upon people,” said traveler Becky Arnold.

“I think I would feel safer if everybody was vaccinated or at least if everybody was tested,” traveler Nicole Rosenthal told CBS2.

The Rosenthal family was already in compliance with the potential requirement.

“We’re both double vaccinated and boosted, and she’s had two vaccines, and we’re ready to go,” Nicole Rosenthal said.

“I feel like as long as people are taking the proper safety precautions, it’s not necessary. I mean, everyone has the right to choose,” one person said.

“I feel quite safe. Everyone wears their mask on board and sanitizing stations,” said Erin Coombs.

AAA says this year’s forecast marks the highest single-year increase in Thanksgiving travelers since 2005. So pack not just your masks, but your patience.

Meanwhile, 90% of people traveling for the holiday are expected to drive to their destinations this year. That’s a turnout that has not been seen in several years, according to experts.

As CBS2’s Cory James reports, New York City traffic was bumper-to-bumper Tuesday ahead of one of the busiest travel days of the year.

“Today was a disaster,” Queens resident Alberto Cretara said.

“It sucks,” one driver said.

Many drivers are expecting it to get even worse.

“It makes me feel really bad,” another driver said.

AAA Northeast spokesman Robert Sinclair says Wednesday will have major traffic delays.

“Without a doubt, Wednesday afternoon, the day before the holiday, 2:30 roughly to 6:30 is the absolute worst time for you to be on the road,” he said.

According to AAA, the Long Island Expressway will have a 482% increase in traffic from Exit 13 to Exit 32. The Brooklyn-Queens Expressway trails behind with a 479% jump for those heading south from Exit 35 to Exit 22. Westbound commuters on the Belt Parkway will see a 254% jump from Exit 17 to Exit 3.

“It’s going to be hammertime on local roads,” Sinclair said.

Still, drivers say it’s worth it to reunite with family.

“Finally we can hug each other again, and let’s do it,” Cretara said.

Sinclair says to avoid those major traffic jams, go to bed early Wednesday night and wake up early Thanksgiving morning to travel to your destination.

If you’re taking a train this holiday week, there are some MTA service changes. For more information, click here.

CBS2’s Cory James contributed to this report.

SECAUCUS, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — AAA says more than 53 million people are expected to travel this Thanksgiving.

So when are the best and worst times to hit the road?

CBS2’s Leah Mishkin spoke with people Wednesday morning at the Alexander Hamilton rest area on the New Jersey Turnpike in Secaucus.

Jane Torcia and her family of five were out the door at 5:30 a.m. to drive from Connecticut to Maryland to be with family.

“We have about six DVDs in there. ‘Moana’ has been on repeat, and snacks, lots of snacks,” she told Mishkin.

Traffic was light Wednesday morning, but built through the day. AAA’s Robert Sinclair says from 2:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. is expected to be the worst time to hit the road.

“You combine commuters with those trying to get away for the holiday on Wednesday afternoon, and it’s going to be very crowded indeed,” he said.

He said the eastbound Long Island Expressway will experience a 482% increase in traffic between Borden Avenue and Little Neck Parkway. Major jams are also expected on the Brooklyn Queens Expressway and Belt Parkway.

“Everybody knows the day before Thanksgiving, it’s the day the roads are full, when the airports are full, the trains are full and the MTA is ready — the subways, the buses, the commuter railroads,” MTA Acting Chairman and CEO Janno Lieber said.

There were long lines during the early afternoon at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station.

“Overall, we’re at about 70% of our ridership, compared to fiscal year 2019, and this week we’re at about 80%, looking at about 800,000 riders across the country,” Amtrak spokesman Jason Abrams said.

Back at the rest stops on the Turnpike, Jeff Stein was driving to Maryland with his wife and kids to get to his parents’ house. They weren’t able to be together last Thanksgiving because of the pandemic, and he’s been craving his mom’s gravy.

“We left early to beat the traffic,” he said. “Everybody is going to be back together.”

Mishkin stopped David Rocha at a rest stop outside the Lincoln Tunnel. He said he was making the 11-hour trip with his wife and son from Rhode Island to North Carolina to get to his in-laws.

“With prices being so high in plane tickets,” he said. “The pump is high also.”

This comes as gas prices are hitting a seven-year high amid soaring inflation. Still, AAA says 90% of Thanksgiving travelers are driving this year.

President Joe Biden announced plans to cut fuel costs Tuesday by tapping into the country’s strategic reserves. Fifty million barrels of oil will be gradually released.

“I’ll do what needs to be done to reduce the price you pay at the pump,” he said.

AAA says drivers should leave after 9 p.m. Wednesday or before 11 a.m. Thursday.

To help ease the expected congestion on the Long Island Expressway, the Long Island Rail Road is adding to its eastbound service. For more on that and other MTA service changes, CLICK HERE.

CBS2’s Ali Bauman contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — The holiday travel rush is underway as Americans deal with soaring COVID numbers — New York State just set a new record with nearly 22,000 positive tests.

AAA predicts 110 million Americans will ultimately travel this season, many undeterred by the rising coronavirus infections. But health officials warn this is the start of another wave, CBS2’s Christina Fan reported Sunday.

Millions of Americans are headed home for the holidays, packing airports and filling roadways at near pre-pandemic levels. Fears of an Omicron variant surge are not enough to stop people from traveling.

“It makes me nervous, but I’m boosted,” one traveler said.

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More than 2.2 million people passed through TSA security at airports across the country Friday, a jump of nearly 110% over last year.

More than one-third of the country is not fully vaccinated, let alone boosted.

“Are you worried about traveling safely with the Omicron variant spreading so quickly?” a traveler was asked.

“No, if I was I wouldn’t be going,” they said.

In addition to vaccines and boosters, you can also get free testing at state-run sites in Johnson City and Queensbury.

Learn more about the sites and about how we’re partnering with communities to fight the winter surge:https://t.co/v5oRpFJR3M

— Kathy Hochul (@GovKathyHochul) December 17, 2021

Delta is still the dominant variant fueling new infections in all but five states.

Health experts say the mutated Omicron variant is spreading fast and will soon overtake Delta. They fear the new strain will overwhelm health care systems in communities with low vaccination rates.

“Even if we have a spike or a surge that’s 25% of what it was last winter, we don’t have the capacity from space or staffing to deal with that,” said Dr. Thomas Yadegar of Providence Cedars Sinai Medical Center.

On Friday, new infections in New York surpassed 21,000. That’s the highest number of reported cases since the pandemic started and set up the second straight day with a new record.

FIND TESTING SITES: Click here for New York City’s testing site locator, including mobile sites and at-home appointments

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People across New York City are scrambling to get tested.

“That’s why everyone is getting tested, because the numbers are going up at an alarming rate and it’s scary,” said Deacon Raymond Perez of the First Spanish United Methodist Church.

The state’s positivity rate is slowly, but steadily climbing. Health officials say the biggest spike is likely to come after New Year’s.

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — This year, a surge in COVID-19 cases is coinciding with a very busy travel season.

On Monday, CBS2’s Aundrea Cline-Thomas spoke to an executive with United Airlines about the impact on the industry and what it’s doing to keep travelers safe.

Despite returning more slowly than its counterparts, United says its flight schedules this holiday season are just shy of pre-pandemic levels.

“Are you changing how you manage the crowds?” Cline-Thomas asked Rodney Cox, VP of operations for the airline.

“We’re working with the Port Authority and the TSA to manage the large volume,” Cox said. “Once you get on board the airplane, all of our traditional safety precautions are still in place in terms of masks, sanitizing the airplane.”

This as COVID infections surge.

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That’s why Andrew Palacios came to Newark Liberty Airport‘s testing site, all the way from Staten Island, before taking off on Tuesday, despite being fully vaccinated and his domestic flight not requiring one.

“A couple people at my job have had it, so I just want to make sure. I don’t want to get stuck anywhere, especially when the holidays are coming up,” Palacios said.

After experiencing delays at other sites, Henry Samaniago of Bloomfield, New Jersey, said he is hoping to get his results in time to head to Ecuador.

“My flight leaves in two hours and a half. If I don’t have it, it doesn’t matter what I pay because they’re not going to give you your money back if you don’t fly,” Samaniago said.

It’s all an added consideration this holiday travel season, which is well underway.

United Airlines plans to welcome 8 million passengers system-wide through Jan. 3. As many as 50,000 of them will fly through Newark Liberty on Thursday, alone.

“If you’re traveling domestically, you ought to be here a couple of hours early. If you’re flying internationally, we’d even recommended that you try to come three hours early,” Cox said. “They’re anxious. They want to get moving. But with the crowds, we have to be patient with each other.”

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Passengers said they wanted to be prepared for the usual hassles and new ones.

“I’m 300 pounds and about 6-foot-2 and I can’t choose my seat and get first class like I want to,” said Mally Brandon of Carteret, New Jersey.

“What I do is sanitize everything when I get on there and keep my mask on,” added Patty Minister of Columbus, Ohio.

Passengers and airlines are taking extra precautions to safely reach their destinations.

The Centers for Disease Control is only encouraging fully vaccinated passengers to travel. However, if you are unvaccinated you’re asked to get tested before and after your trip.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — As holiday gatherings draw near, New York City is pushing to stop the spread of COVID-19 as record case numbers are reported and lines at testing centers get longer.

Amid the surge, Mayor Bill de Blasio said Monday he’s trying to avoid shutdowns in the city by increasing the number of testing centers, CBS2’s John Dias reported.

New York reported its fourth consecutive day of record cases — more than 23,000 people tested positive statewide.

It was a sign of the times in Times Square, where long lines formed even before a pop-up testing site opened.

A tourist arrived an hour early and was first in line. Monika Maneova wanted to make sure she could fly home to Prague on Tuesday.

“You have to have the test and if you don’t have, you don’t fly,” Maneova said.

Some said they waited in the cold for hours.

“We need the test so we line up as long as it takes,” said Hartmut Pitchmann from Germany.

“Three of our friends in the past couple days have tested positive,” said Talia Fossum-Wernick of Harlem.

FIND TESTING SITES: Click here for New York City’s testing site locator, including mobile sites and at-home appointments

AVOID THE LINES: Click here for NYC Health+Hospitals testing wait times

Fossum-Wernick and her roommate, Ella Leh, were double-masked while waiting to get tested. Leh had to cancel her family’s Christmas trip from Colorado.

“We found out we had exposure and they were like, ‘Yeah nope, absolutely not,'” said Leh, whose Christmas plans are now up in the air.

“I certainly don’t know, maybe do a puzzle,” she said.

“Plan your holidays around your most vulnerable family member. That may mean hosting a virtual gathering, or moving activities outdoors or using masks, same-day tests and distancing,” said New York City Health Commissioner Dr. Dave Chokshi.

Watch Mayor De Blasio’s Monday COVID Briefing

Additional testing sites at settings like schools and libraries will be popping up. The city will send supervisors to make sure things run smoothly at these sites and private ones, CBS2’s Alice Gainer reported.

The rapid spread of the Omicron variant has created what the city calls an “extraordinary” increase in demand for testing.

“It is the fastest, fittest and most formidable version of the virus that we have seen thus far,” said Chokshi.

“We are now testing, in fact, more people than ever, 130,000 plus daily in the city sites,” said de Blasio.

That’s double the number of tests done three weeks ago.

New York City has 89 testing sites in all five boroughs. It’s adding 23 more this week.

Free hotel rooms are available to eligible New Yorkers who test positive for COVID-19.

If you have tested positive for #COVID19 or have been exposed to someone who has, our Take Care hotels are for you! Our #NYCTestandTrace Corps is connecting eligible New Yorkers to free hotel rooms to help #StopTheSpread of the virus. More info: https://t.co/LApNVTgpG0 pic.twitter.com/9R9L48skUt

— NYC Health + Hospitals (@NYCHealthSystem) December 19, 2021

De Blasio said he’d like to get more at-home tests out, but pointed to a supply issue. Gov. Kathy Hochul said a portal should be up and running soon, allowing New Yorkers to order home testing kits.

“We just had an arrival of 1 million testing kits. We have another million coming next week,” Hochul said.

Of late, Manhattan has had the highest positivity rate among the five boroughs. Officials said that’s partly because of increased testing there.

Health officials continue to say the best protection is vaccination, including a booster shot.

“You either won’t get infected or if you do get an infection, it will be most likely mild. But if you are unvaccinated, I’m worried about you. I’m worried that your risk of being hospitalized or, God forbid, losing your life to this virus is quite significant,” U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Vivek Murthy told CBS Mornings.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

Murthy said hospitalizations should quantify the severity of the surge.

“The most important metrics, for sure, are whether we are saving lives and keeping people out of the hospital,” he said. “No vaccine is perfect, especially against a foe like Omicron, but those infections are much more likely to be mild, compared to somebody whose not boosted or vaccinated who have a greater chance of ending up in the hospital.”

“All of our hospitals have plans for how we will expand. We worked on it all weekend. We’re doing fine right now,” said Dr. Mitch Katz, president and CEO of NYC Health + Hospitals.

The city implemented a pair of new vaccine mandates Monday. Employees of private and religious schools must have received at least their first dose of a COVID vaccine by now. Others working in child care must also be vaccinated.

CBS2’s John Dias and Jessica Layton contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Despite concerns over the Omicron surge, the Christmas travel rush is underway.

Experts predict it will be back to pre-pandemic levels, or greater, but at least one major factor may slow some things down.

As CBS2’s John Dias reports, it has been busier than Santa’s workshop at LaGuardia Airport this week.

“Heading home now, it’s crazy,” said traveler Zach Almond.

Web Extra: Tri-State Guide To Traffic & Transit

“Little bit inconvenient that an hour before flight, you have to wait in this line,” said traveler Emily Victores.

Many are traveling to see loved ones after an isolated holiday season last year due to the COVID pandemic.

“I want to live my life again and just take precautions,” said traveler Lynn Bell.

Despite the recent surge in COVID cases, fueled mostly by the Omicron variant, AAA says more than 110 million Americans will travel over the holidays.

Locally, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey estimates 10 million vehicles will use its bridges and tunnels, which is similar to the pre-pandemic period in 2019.

Air Travel Links

• Specific Airline Websites
• FAA Flight Delay Information
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Delays | Airport Website
• John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) Delays | Airport Website
• Newark Airport (EWR) Delays | Airport Website
• MacArthur Airport Website
• Teterboro Airport Website
• Westchester County Airport Website
• TSA Travel Tips
• CBS News Interactive: U.S. Airport Tracker

Nearly five million air passengers are expected to utilize airports. While not many are canceling domestic flights, the Omicron variant is impacting international trips.

“But that doesn’t mean they’re going to not travel. In fact, they’re rebooking on plan B or plan C of their destination in this country,” said CBS News Senior Travel Advisor Peter Greenberg.

Greenberg also says staffing issues will likely cause significant delays.

“Still a problem at airports, airlines, hotels, restaurants, anywhere you need to go. They’re not going to fix those staffing problems until March or April next year at the earliest,” Greenberg said.

Domestic travel doesn’t require a COVID test, but one father said he’s testing his fully vaccinated teenage daughter the second she gets off her plane at JFK Airport for a visit.

“Her mom also said that she was feeling sick. So when she lands, I want to get her tested, and before she goes back, I want to get her tested, just in case,” said Jamaica resident Raheem Bertrand.

This comes as Delta Air Lines is pleading for help to adjust COVID rules. In a letter, it asked the CDC to “reconsider the current guideline for 10 days of isolation in fully vaccinated” people who experience breakthrough COVID-19 infections, and making it a “five day isolation from symptom onset.”

Health officials are now analyzing the risks.

With travel policies constantly changing, and drastically different depending on where you’re traveling to, travel experts say don’t rely on the internet, give a travel agent or a travel advisor a call, who can walk you through the latest.

NEWARK, N.J. (CBSNewYork) — New York state saw a jump of 10,000 COVID-19 cases on Thursday, as it hit another single-day record high since the pandemic started.

With the increase in positive cases has come more issues. The latest, air travel.

And with Christmas Eve on Friday, it couldn’t have come at a worse time, CBS2’s Jessica Layton reported.

As of 11 p.m., United Airlines and Delta Air Lines had reported a combined 230 flight cancellations on Friday. The airlines said they were forced into the drastic action because staff members had either called out sick due to COVID or had been exposed to someone infected.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

Traveling safely is taking on more meaning, but even as the Omicron variant surges in the pandemic, airports and rest stop parking lots are packed.

One Virginia couple making their way to Massachusetts told Layton they are approaching Christmas with caution — just immediate family this year.

“We have been testing once every day for the past five days. We’re both vaccinated and boosted, so I feel good I guess,” Allison Koury said.

“If you feel like something is not gonna be safe you should definitely not do it,” Alex Lange added.

READ MORE: COVID-19 Omicron Variant Fact Or Fiction: CBS2’s Dr. Max Gomez Has Answers To Common Questions

CBS News chief medical correspondent Dr. John Lapook says gathering safely starts with a clear COVID protocol.

“That means being up front, absolutely honest about peoples’ vaccination status, potential exposure to the virus over the previous week or so, and then you can decide are you comfortable with the risk,” Lapook said.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

• Complete COVID Vaccine Coverage
• Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
• Find NYC Testing Site Near You
• Check NYC Testing Wait Times
• CDC’S COVID Vaccine FAQ
• CDC’s COVID Tracking Map By County
• Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
• Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home

On the night before Christmas Eve, the city of Paterson gifted hundreds of people a free COVID test. Some sisters got showed up and hour and a half early to be first in line.

“Not feeling well and it’s Christmas. You don’t want to pass it to anybody else,” one said.

“Just to make sure that we’re tested and we’re not spreading anything,” Aleanny Martinez added.

No matter the result, they know celebrations won’t feel as festive this year.

“Some people won’t wanna go. Some people cancel. So it won’t be the same as before, past years,” one sister said.

“A little bit more lonely, not as much Christmas spirit,” Martinez said.

READ MORE: New York City Hands Out COVID Test Kits As New Yorkers Scramble For Holiday Safety

Finding out if you’re healthy for the holiday hasn’t been easy.

“I’ve been trying to get a test for two days,” Fordham University student Kayla Joyner said.

On Thursday in New York, city officials handed out 2,000 free at-home rapid tests in each borough.

“It’s a holiday present in the sense that we can spend time with friends and family now, hopefully safely,” one person said.

CBS2’s Jessica Layton contributed to this report.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Holiday travel is stressful enough, but the nationwide surge in COVID cases has made things worse as flights get cancelled hours before Christmas.

As CBS2’s Kevin Rincon reports, throughout Friday he’s seen families with mounds of luggage make their way to Newark Liberty International Airport only to find out their flight has been cancelled.

The ongoing rise in COVID has hit the airline industry hard, and it was already dealing with staffing shortages before all of this.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

“We’re trying to go visit my brother in Italy, in Milan, and our flight apparently just got rebooked until tomorrow,” said traveler Katie Feng.

Feng and her family are among the thousands forced to change their plans hours before Christmas. At Newark Airport, the departure board featured plenty of delays and cancellations.

Priscile Tavares and her family came loaded with luggage for a month-long trip to Brazil that’ll now have to wait.

“Imagine, with all of our bags, leaving the house, thinking we’re going to travel. And then you get here, and it’s canceled,” Tavares said.

The issues at Newark and at airports all across the country are due to staffing shortages. Airlines were already hard pressed to find workers, and then came the new surge in COVID cases.

“It’s creating quite a problem at many of the airlines,” said Thom McDaniel, vice president at the Transport Workers Union of America. “They’re sick and tired. Literally sick and tired… A lot of flight attendants aren’t willing to pick up an extra shift. They just want to come to work, do their job, and go home – hopefully not go home with COVID.”

Air Travel Links

• Specific Airline Websites
• FAA Flight Delay Information
• LaGuardia Airport (LGA) Delays | Airport Website
• John F. Kennedy Airport (JFK) Delays | Airport Website
• Newark Airport (EWR) Delays | Airport Website
• MacArthur Airport Website
• Teterboro Airport Website
• Westchester County Airport Website
• TSA Travel Tips
• CBS News Interactive: U.S. Airport Tracker

Meanwhile, for those who are lucky enough to leave on time, it’s still a headache navigating a flight out.

“I thought it was incredibly stressful two years ago. I had no idea what stressful really meant until now,” said traveler Isabela Danielsen.

As for the shortages, Delta Air Lines had asked the CDC to consider shortening the quarantine protocols from 10 days to five. Rincon spoke with unions representing flight attendants – they reached out to the CDC to say the current rules should be kept in place.

Watch: CBS2’s John Dias On Christmas Eve Travel Woes

Across the country, United canceled more than 165 flights. At least 55 were out of Newark.

Delta canceled at least 109 flights nationwide.

“I’m feeling ready to get home and start the holidays,” traveler Brenda Womack told CBS2’s John Dias.

Womack said that with a smile, trying to keep up the holiday cheer, even though she was stranded overnight at Newark Liberty International Airport. Her flight to Arkansas was canceled, and it has been difficult getting on a new one.

“When they came on at 4 this morning, the lady told me I couldn’t get out until 4:59 this afternoon,” Womack said.

Airlines are seeing a 184% increase in traffic from 2020. But nationwide, delayed messages are greeting thousands of travelers at airports this Christmas Eve, and hundreds of other flights were just flat-out canceled, mostly due to Omicron cases. Airline staff are calling out sick with COVD, or saying they had been exposed to someone infected.

“Not surprising. They have so much public contact, that folks, despite their best efforts are coming down with the virus,” said Robert Sinclair of AAA.

In a statement, Delta Air Lines apologized to customers, saying in part “teams have exhausted all options and resources – including rerouting and substitutions of aircraft and crews to cover scheduled flying.”

“There is a only so much an employer can do. For those who work in offices, employers can say stay home and work remotely, but that’s not the case with airline personnel,” Sinclair said.

Lines grew at Jet Blue‘s terminal for on-time flights. Passengers say the airline was experiencing issues printing out baggage tickets, causing a backlog.

“Machines not working right, it’s terrible,” said Marj Newberg of Moorestown, N.J.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

• Complete COVID Vaccine Coverage
• Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
• Find NYC Testing Site Near You
• Check NYC Testing Wait Times
• CDC’S COVID Vaccine FAQ
• CDC’s COVID Tracking Map By County
• Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
• Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home

Hundreds anxiously waited for hours, fearing they’ll miss their flights.

“It’s awful. It’s awful,” said Westfield, N.J. resident Jenny McSweeny.

“My siblings and parents, I think they’re stressed out,” said Goshen, N.Y. resident Mark Colella.

Many airlines say they’re doing their best to try and re-book as many travelers as they possibly can, trying to get them to their holiday destination in time – but clearly they’re up against that Christmas clock.

Travel experts say already existing staff shortages due to the pandemic are playing a factor in this. It’s thought that March of 2022 is the earliest they’ll fix the overall problem.

Kevin Rincon contributed to this report. 

(CBS) — United, Delta and other U.S. airlines have canceled more than 950 flights for Christmas Day, after canceling over 600 Christmas Eve flights the day before, as a surge in COVID-19 cases impacts their staff.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) — Sunday was another busy day at area airports, where thousands of travelers came and went this holiday weekend.

As CBS2’s Kevin Rincon reported, many passengers were greeted again with delays and cancellations.

The monitoring website FlightAware has been tracking the numbers. At least 68 flights were canceled at Newark Liberty International Airport. John F. Kennedy International Airport had 73 cancellations, and there was another 33 flights called off at LaGuardia Airport.

Airlines have been struggling to handle the increase in air traffic, coupled with the ongoing surge in COVID-19 cases.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

Passengers said they felt the pressure of traveling during yet another wave of coronavirus cases.

One man and his girlfriend flew in from Phoenix. They were planning to go to JFK, but their flight was delayed in Salt Lake City.

“It is really, really stressful,” Christian Klein said. “We actually lucked out. We walked by this flight and said, ‘Hey, can we hop on?’ And we ended up here in Newark.”

Their travels started nearly a day ago, and it wasn’t ending in Newark. They said they were to take a car to see family in Connecticut.

Swani Schobert and her son from Stratford, Connecticut said they were planning to navigate their way to Germany.

“You definitely have to look for more things, do you need tests, do you need to be vaccinated, both or nothing. If you stop in another country, then the destination, what are there rules? It’s very confusing, but we managed,” Schobert said.

Nationally, United and Delta cancelled hundreds of flights over the holiday weekend. The airlines have been short staffed with COVID cases on the rise. They’ve offered employees all sorts of incentives to pick up extra shifts, on what’s one of the busiest travel weekends of the year.

CORONAVIRUS PANDEMIC

• Complete COVID Vaccine Coverage
• Vaccination Sites In New York City | Call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC Vaccinations By Zip Code
• Find NYC Testing Site Near You
• Check NYC Testing Wait Times
• CDC’S COVID Vaccine FAQ
• CDC’s COVID Tracking Map By County
• Resources: Help With Unemployment, Hunger, Mental Health & More
• Remote Learning Tools For Students And Parents At Home

Back at Newark Liberty, looking at the arrivals and departures, if flights weren’t cancelled, there’s a chance they were delayed.

Antoinette Randolph and her family said, despite the issues, there was still a willingness to fly.

“We still gotta do it. We still can’t just live our life in a nutshell. We all gotta work together to stay safe,” Randolph said.

One thing travelers said is that they have felt safe with all the added precautions in place. That said, it will take time before we see things improve in terms of delays and cancellations, as more people either continue to try and see family during the holidays, or try to get back for work.

CBS2’s Kevin Rincon contributed to this report. Editor’s note: This story was first published Dec. 26.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Flight cancellations are continuing to pile up due to airline staffing shortages in the wake of the COVID surge.

So far Monday, nearly 1,000 flights have been canceled nationwide, according to FlightAware.com.

In our area, 46 of those flights are into or out of John F. Kennedy International Airport.

There are 33 canceled flights at LaGuardia, and 80 at Newark Liberty International Airport.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Flight cancellations continue nationwide Tuesday as the airline industry continues to deal with a spike in COVID infections.

Hundreds of flights were canceled Tuesday in the U.S.

Of those, 51 were at John F. Kennedy International Airport, 42 were at LaGuardia, and 76 at Newark Liberty International Airport.

That’s according to the website FlightAware.com.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

Preliminary numbers show 72 cancelations at Newark, 24 cancelations at JFK and 13 cancelations at LaGuardia on Wednesday.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) – Hundreds of flights were grounded again Wednesday as airlines deal with COVID-related staff shortages.

Newark Liberty International Airport reported 101 canceled flights on Wednesday. John F. Kennedy International Airport had 40, and LaGuardia had 22.

Preliminary numbers show 94 cancelations at Newark on Thursday, 63 at JFK and 20 at LaGuardia, but those numbers could change.

That’s according to the website FlightAware.com.

COVID VACCINE

• New York State book online here or call 1-833-NYS-4-VAX
• New York City book online here or call 877-VAX-4NYC
• Track NYC vaccinations by zip code
• Nassau County more info here
• Suffolk County more info here
• Westchester County more info here
• New Jersey book online here or call 1-855-568-0545
• Connecticut book online here

Many frustrated travelers are stranded at airports.

“My family had been waiting in airports for three days straight,” Brooklyn resident Nick Napoli said. “We were hoping to get the family together for the holidays in Denver, and unfortunately, that’s not going to happen.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s decision to cut the quarantine time in half will allow airlines to bring back staff more quickly, but the union representing flight attendants says that could put more people in danger.

“This guidance was put in place at the behest of corporate America. It was not put in place for public health initiatives,” said Sara Nelson, international president of the Association of Flight Attendants.

TSA data shows the number of passengers screened went up significantly from last year, on some days doubling.